Spreading rumours and false news in the UAE: The US-Israel war with Iran

Chris Gibson, Associate

31 March, 2026

As the US-Israel war with Iran now enters its fifth week, neighbouring Gulf states such as Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to be subject to retaliatory drone and missile strikes by Iran.

Despite the unprecedented circumstances here in Dubai, it must be said that much of what is being reported by western media institutions is either categorically false or grossly exaggerated and in no way reflects the true reality on the ground. Dubai, and the UAE as a whole, remains incredibly safe and this is why many expats have instantly dismissed any discussion about departing. Whilst of course some have made the decision to leave, residents and tourists are still going about their day – including sitting outside at restaurants, walking on the beaches with their families, visiting shopping malls; and commuting to work. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is also open.

The UAE is one of the world’s most advanced and invested countries in defence programs and its capabilities should not be underestimated. Across the UAE we have received a series of alerts to our mobile phones indicating that a drone or missile is in the vicinity. Within a couple of minutes, a further alert is sent confirming that the situation is now under control – aka. ‘as you were’.

With many of us experiencing a geopolitical conflict for the first time, it can be all too tempting to record a video of an intercept overhead and upload it to social media or forward an impact video that you have been sent on platforms such as WhatsApp (even if the video may be AI-generated). However, the UAE has very strict cybercrime laws and failure to adhere to the same can potentially have severe legal consequences.

Article 52 (1) of Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 on Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes provides that:

“Whoever uses the information network….to announce, disseminate, re-disseminate, circulate, or recirculate false news or data, or false, tendentious, misleading or erroneous rumours or reports, or rumours or reports contrary to what has been announced officially, or broadcasts any provocative advertisements that would incite or provoke the public opinion, disturb the public peace, spread terror among people, or cause harm to the public interest, the national economy, the public order, or the public health shall be punished with imprisonment for at least one year and a fine of not less than (AED 100,000) one hundred thousand dirhams.”

Further, Article 52 (2) states that a punishment of imprisonment for at least (2) two years and a fine of not less than (AED 200,000) two hundred thousand dirhams shall be imposed if any act above “results in incitement and provocation of the public opinion against any of the UAE’s authorities or entities, or is committed during epidemics, crises, emergencies or disasters”.

The dangers of circulating rumours and news from unverified sources have also been voiced by the UAE Cyber Security Council – including increasing public anxiety and potentially jeopardising national security.

It is therefore advised that:

• All information and updates be obtained from official government sources – including the UAE’s Ministry of Defence.
• If party to a WhatsApp group or other chat platform, do not share videos, images or social media posts which relate to the ongoing